Lucky and His Mary

A dear friend sent this to me in an e-mail.

Lucky Dog....Anyone who has pets will really like this. You'll like it even if you don't and you may even decide you need one!
Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named 'Lucky.' Lucky was a real character. Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing.Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's other favorite toys Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box.
It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her she was going to die of this disease....in fact; she was just sure it was fatal. She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders. The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her...what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked Jim, he was Mary's dog through and through. If I die, Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won't understand that I didn't want to leave him! The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death. The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable.
Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps to her bedroom. Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap. Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed.When Mary woke for a second she couldn't understand what was wrong. She couldn't move her head and her body felt heavy and hot. But panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned! While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life.He had covered her with his love.
Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every day. It's been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free. Lucky still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure.
Remember....live every day to the fullest. Each minute is a blessing from God. And never forget....the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most Credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care for us. If you see someone without a smile today give them one of yours! Live simply. Love seriously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.
A small request......Please pray.....Dear God, I pray for the cure of cancer. Amen

Summer Busy

My goodness, summertime sure gets in the way of this blog! Golf seems to have filled a lot of time this week. I played in our city golf tounament Saturday and Sunday, and had a ball. (Didn't lose any either!) Saturday I played with two young ladies from one of our local high schools, what a treat to watch.
Of the 36 holes I only had one bad 9 holes, the second nine on the first day. But Joyce Rupp helped me forget about those the next morning. I awakened early enough Sunday morning to do my Bible study as the sun came up over our beautiful mountains. The reading I was doing in one of Rupp's books focused on pruning the old dead away, so God can let the new, alive energy thrive in us. Don't dwell on that old past, cull out the hurts, mistakes, bad memories. God prunes us and shapes us for the better. But, we can do some pruning of ourselves. Sure the old is always there in our memory bank, and we need to learn from it, however, we don't have to keep reliving it. It saps us of the new in the now if we do.
Whether it is work, marriage, church, friends or golf, approach it with a new vigor today. Try to drop some of the old thought patterns and replace them with a renewed hope and wonder. Everyday we are given a second chance to try again. God is continually refining and pruning us. God gave us freewill so we could take part in that pruning.
Forget yesterday's bad shots and go out and swing easy today!

Listen and Accept; Deuteronomy

Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. Deuteronomy 30:19-20

So sorry, it has been a while. I have been thinking of all of you out there, but...I don't know. I don't want to say I have been too busy... just reading, digesting, listening, holding onto, working through...you know, expanding, healing...
Hope you will be happy to know that my putting is getting better. Could be because I took some advice from the spouse??? Boy, do I hate to admit that! I finally broke down and asked him (who is a much better putter, by the way) what he saw when I putted. He told me my head was not over the ball and I was not striking the ball with a square putter head. What do you know it worked, he was right. I went back to an older putter I used to use, it is a blade, and I can get over the puts with it. My, my...strange what can happen when you listen.
That's what I have been doing in my spiritual walk lately...listening. To the voice of the Bible, the voice of a couple of authors (esp. Joyce Rupp), the voices at church, friends. Wisdom comes from many sources if we listen. Just think how many in the Bible listen. Make a little list; Mary, Abraham, Moses, Job.
Listen, then accept. That is the final punch, have to accept the word. The Holy Spirit will speak to you, start to listen and hold on.

Refresh

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins maybe wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord... Acts 3:19

A lot of golf this week. I am reading a new golf book that is refreshing my attitude, helping me turn away from some of the bad habits I have picked up over the last year or two. It is reminding me of lessons I have learned, and giving me new insight into practice and my game. I love it.
Today I am taking part in a retreat at my church. I am looking forward to a day that will refresh my spiritual journey. I hope to let this day help turn me yet closer to the Lord.
It may sound strange, but my week with this new little book on golf has set the stage for today. I know with focus I can turn away from old habits, lame ideas, miss use of time, poor choices.
I do the turning so changes can occur in my life.

To Fathers, Wherever You Are

If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1Timothy 5:8

Thank you to all those fathers out in the world who take care of their families. From the ones that go to work in a safe environment to those that are looking for a job anywhere; from those who are enjoying a day out at the ballpark, beach, or back yard BBQ to those that are protesting in Iran.
God bless you all as you spread God's love, care and concern into the world.

On The Road Again

Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:4-5

Off on the road again visiting family. We returned from visiting with two of the children and one grandson, only to turn around and set off to visit the oldest son and his two boys. We went to a wedding and played some golf during the first trip, now we will have a marathon of high school baseball games during the second! What a joy to be with all these special family members God has given us. (Cannot leave out that I will also be seeing my sister!)
Being with my family is such a blessed way for me to see God's ways and truth. Love just flows out like a big old river. We talk some about the past, and discuss and plan a bit for the future, but mostly, we just enjoy the moment. All day long we support, laugh, listen, love. Just like God supports, laughs, listens and loves us.
My prayer is that I use this time to learn more about God's path for me and see God's ways of loving.

Prayer Friday James 1:22

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22

Loving Creator, Living Christ, Strengthening Holy Spirit, please hear our prayer.
You have so blessed us with all that surrounds us, earth and heavens, family and friends, time and eternity. Thank you for the lives you have given us to see and enjoy all of your wonder.
Holy Spirit, guide me this day to live the Word. To look for and live in the kingdom. Help me take each minute as the time and place you want me to be. To look for you and your purpose in each situation. Help me to live as you plan for me to live, for you and your purpose. Amen

A Pondered Response

At www.snapthatpenny.blogspot.com we are asked to ponder what "you and your house believe on?". Well, when asked to ponder I cannot resist, as pondering is one of the things I do best!
We believe we were created by a mysterious, yet completely loving Creator who is active in our lives. ONE, whom if we listen to, will lead us into the life we were meant to live here in the natural world.
We believe material value takes the backseat to family love.
We believe forgiveness can be hard, but is entirely necessary if we are to survive together as a family, and a species.
We believe in good souls.
We pray.
I will pass on the question to you. Visit Snap for the beautiful pictures and thoughtful words.

Prayer Friday Psalm 65:9-13

You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it.
You drench its furrows and level its ridges; you soften it with showers and bless its crops.
You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.
The grasslands of the desert overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness.
The meadows are cover with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing. Psalm 65:9-13


Blessed Creator, Living Christ, Guiding Holy Spirit,
Hear my prayer.
Thank you for this week's rain. In the natural world, this Psalm fits like a glove. You have soften the soil, watered the pecan trees, wetted down the crops, filled the arroyos and river, greened the desert plants. My skin, nose, ears, eyes have felt the touch, smelled the moisture, heard the sounds and seen the wonder. Thank you.
Take me deeper into this Psalm to use it to water my soul and spirit. To soften me, level me. cover me, drench and crown me.
You flow in my life, I need your nourishing love. Thank you.
Amen

The Voice of God

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah 30;21



We are told to listen for the small, still voice. Do you have trouble hearing the voice of God? May I help?

I was just sitting out on the sun porch. The biggest of our three dogs let out a long, drawn out moan, so I put my book down to listen. Then I was aware of the sound of at least four different birds chattering way. Under that sound was the noise of a insect. Carrying all of that was a slight breeze. Then my sigh. It came to me so peacefully; I was listening to the sound of God. Not a big, loud shout, no trumpet...just God's voice in all of that.

Go out somewhere, filter out the bustle, listen. Just listen.

What you do about the experience is up to you, but do something. I smiled and came in to share it with someone I know God will send my way.

God bless you with peace and calm.

God's Instructions

I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart. Psalm 40:8



I have been away from the computer for a while, so the blog has fallen behind. I have thought of you often, but I couldn't get my list of priorities right!

Travel has taken me to Missouri and New York; our yellow pad list of to-dos has taken me to places in the yard and around the house I should have been to sooner; golf has been frequent; even some meetings thrown in and there you are. Or here I am.

Golf has been the site of some really good laughs. Two weeks ago I had the lowest round of golf I have ever had in many years. It was followed two days later by one of the highest scores I have ever recorded, well maybe not the highest, but close! 18 strokes higher! No kidding 18. Like one stroke a hole. Same person, same course, same clubs, same brand golf ball. Good grief. However, I know the problem. Concentration and focus. I was really focused on the game, all aspects of it, on my low round. No focus on the higher round. What was the difference? Circumstances. I had a task in front of me for the low round, I knew what I wanted to do, knew I could do it and I did it.

My task on life's journey this last two months or so has been to focus on turning my will over to my God. In a book I was reading I was faced with the realization that I was still scared to give my hands and feet and mouth completely over to God. I mean 100%, not just thinking about it, giving it lip service. I realized I still hold back, I still keep some of myself from complete surrender. I am sure this is familiar to most of us. I lack complete focus and concentration. So I am asking for the Holy Spirit's help. I am slowing down and trying to focus on each individual circumstance of my day. I have it written on my heart that wherever I am, whatever I am doing, I am in the right place for God to love me, to guide me. Now is the perfect time to surrender, not yesterday or tomorrow, not ten minutes ago or thirty minutes from now. Now, each breath. God loves me, God made me, God works in all things for good. If I focus, and listen to the instructions on my heart.

We have finally had some rain, the last few days. Just as the desert opened itself to the water, I am opening myself to the help of the Holy Spirit. Soak me Lord.

Prayer Friday Psalm 66:1

Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Psalm 66:1

Glorious Creator, Living Christ, Holy Spirit and Wisdom, Hear my joy!
We are so blessed with the beauty around us; the hills, mountains, the green and brown, water and desert, sky and sun, moon, stars. How can we not but shout with joy.
Please forgive us when we overlook or forget to thank You for these gifts.
This week I pray we may be bold enough, care enough, to witness to others the glory of your gifts. My we tell everyone you send us that we love You and know You are our God.
May we reflect Your love and care through our actions and words. Give us the words, Holy Spirit. Let us do no harm this week.
AMEN

Slow Down !!

Absolutely one of the most beautiful days is unfolding in front of me! The weather is glorious, the fields down in the valley are being irrigated, the sun is shining, birds all around, work done, tea sweet...I think this is a slow down day. I am going to look around today, slowly, and see all the wonders God has put around me.
Played golf two times so far this week, and it was good! Slowing down there has helped. I finally have some rhythm back in my swing. I have really worked on slowing down my back swing and then firing through to completion.. Worked on slowing down my getting ready for my putts, taking time to really observe how the green runs. Taking time to look at where my ball lies in the fairway. Slow down and observe...not just rush into a shot or a putt. Not so slow as to hold up those I am playing with, just more attention to detail and surroundings.
Off for some more tea, finish one of the ten books I have going ;), dead head some flowers, breath, look, listen, enjoy, praise, be grateful, love...

Tagged!

For where your treasure is, your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21

First off a little message to Flojoe...I miss your blog!

Epiphany, over at www.Myroad,asItravelit.blogspot.com, tagged me with the question "What are your passions?". It has been a while since I sat and ponder that question, so I appreciated the push to do so. Here they are, sorta in order.
1. Clearing the fog to see the truth. I am really passionate about traveling a path that gets me as close to behind the veil as I can get. I want to peel away the false parts of myself to get down to the perfect soul and spirit God made and wants me to be. I try to follow Christ's way to get as close as I can to my Creator. To find God's will in my daily life.
2. Family. I am blessed with a wonderful, hard working, happy family. We have some bumps now and then but we are solid. I love being THE MOTHER-IN-LAW.
3. Loyalty and faithfulness. In all dealings: business, family, friends, church, etc..
4. Prayer. I could not survive without my prayer life. It gives me strength, hope, love, peace and calm. I am a total believer in intercessory prayer. Paul said to live your life as a prayer...that is my goal.
5. Weather. I love weather, all weather. I love its changeability, its sweet softness and its raging storms. Bring it on!!
6. Isaiah and Jeremiah. Cannot so without those fellows' books.
7. The following truth and guides: "You reap what you sow". "Treat all with dignity." "Love your neighbor as yourself." What a wonderful world it would be if we lived those!!
8. And of course golf and reading. When my husband cannot find me he looks behind a book or on the course.
9. Sister Friends. God has given me some of the most outstanding women to call friends. All unique and all loved beyond mere words.

Thank you Epiphany for this opportunity to write on this tag. Now, both Epiphany and I would love to hear from you out there reading this. Respond here, there or anywhere, but remember what you treasure is where your heart is so fill it with love. God Bless you and yours.

Prayer Friday Psalm 68

Blessed be the Lord, Who bears our burdens and carries us day by day, even the God who is our salvation! Selah Psalm 68:19

Wonderful Creator, Living Christ, Dependable Holy Spirit,
Thank You for this beautiful day You have awaken us to take part in. We look forward to the challenges and people You have put in our path.
You have so blessed all of us and we regret that we do not always recognize nor acknowledge that. We know in our heart of hearts You love us, we know You bear our burdens, we know that You carry us on you wings. Let the message of our heart reach our lives and touch the lives of others.
You are our salvation, because You created us, love us and we belong only to You.
Amen

Monday Of Hope

May the God of your hope so fill you with joy and peace in believing (through the experience of your faith) that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope. Romans 15:13 (Amplified)



Back after a long while, or so it seems! I have been out of town and had some company so things have been busy.

During a round of golf, if you play as I do ;), you can be faced with a number of challenging shots. Seems as if all shots don't necessarily put you in a happy place for the next one. We even saw some of that over the weekend at the Masters! When this happens to my very good friend PL she approaches the disappointing lie with eternal hope in her heart. She always says...well, let's see what we can do with this one, how can we recover here? Love her hopeful nature.

I love the Monday after Easter. I like to spend this day looking for the situations in my life and the lives of those close to me to see the hope. There are a bunch this morning. One member of my family has been given great hope involving a medical problem. One is starting a new semester this morning. One is beginning a path to read the Bible while listening to it on tape. Two are starting baseball season at school. One of my best friends (she would kill me if I said my oldest best friend) welcomed her first grandchild this week. Hope is just bubbling up and overflowing, as I know that all of these situations have been prayed for and are the result of God's amazing and wonderful grace.

Look around you, where do you see the hope. Don't tell me there is none, it may be very small or look very insignificant, but it is there. Use this Monday to start over. Start over and look for the hope. How can you recover from the previous "bad shot"? You can, there is always hope. It is a grace from our Creator. God bless you today.

Away

So sorry I have been absent for a while. We had one of those family situations that had to be taken care of!! It was a good resolution that brought to a close three years of prayer. All is well and I will be back next weekend to blog to my hearts content.
God bless all with mercy and grace.

Prayer Friday: Mark 12:31

You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Mark 12:31

Loving Creator, Living Christ, Holy Spirit...
Thank you for all of the blessings you surround us with at every second of the day. As your sun rises and sets let us thank you for our day.
We are guided to love our neighbor as ourselves. Lord, sometimes it is hard to love or understand ourselves, let alone those around us. We fall so short of this commandment. But we know You can help us do anything You ask us to do...so we ask for your support and help in loving. Let us find the place in our souls You have filled with love and shower it on ourselves and all those we come in contact with today.
May goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives...second by second may we be grateful and know it is Your Goodness and Mercy.
AMEN

Prayer Friday: Psalm 69

Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. Psalm 69:1

Loving Creator...Living Christ...Holy Spirit
Thank you that we have awakened again to this beautiful world. Thank you for this thoughtful creation of which You made us a part. Every small piece of it is beautiful and crafted with love.

Lord, there are so many people right now that feel as if they "have come into the high waters". Health, economics, marriage problems, so many worries. You told us not to worry, to reach out our hands to You, to lean on You, to trust in You. We seem to have so much trouble doing that. Maybe for a short while we do, then we forget and let the waters get to us.

Please help us to help ourselves look to You. See You before we see our troubles. Help us out of the goodness of Your love to stay close to You.

AMEN

Peace Train Starts Here

Whoever would love life and see good days.........must seek peace and pursue it. 1Peter 3:10-11

The peace train starts here with me. Whatever it is that is bothering me in the moment, I must make peace with it. Whether it is my weight, age, the economy, family, health, church, weather, barking dogs, bad golf shots, friends, work...whatever, I must seek peace, I must pursue it.

I think I am getting better at pursuing peace. Maybe it is age, maybe some things are not as important as they used to be, don't know. But I seem to be better able to put things into perspective these days. Prayer sure helps. Praying and finding my deep down, way in me peaceful and calm soul, then trying to let it become a part of my living in the moment. The train goes whether I want it to or not, it travels forward through this moment, I want to ride it in peace.

Looking For Lost Golf Balls

"Lent is the season to ask; What do I cherish in my life? What is it that I hide from? Am I aware of what I am missing or have misplaced interiorly? Have I given myself to the searching and finding of these treasures? What do I need to form my life more on the pattern of the Lord's death and resurrection? Who is it that I seek? Who is it that I hide from? How can I recover what I hold dear?" p 44, Fresh Bread and Other Gifts of Spiritual Nourishment, Joyce Rupp,osm

Last week during one of my rounds of golf, I had to search for a lost ball. When I say lost, I mean lost in the prickly, sandy, rocky, twisted arms of the desert landscape which surrounds our golf course. It was not pleasant! Why didn't I just give up? You would have thought I was looking for a pot of gold or at least a brand new Nike ball!! (It was an old ball I had found during a previous round :). As I was reading the pages for March in Rupp's book I was reminded of my search.
I looked so hard. I took all of the allotted time the rule book gives you. I had help. My cart partner was by my side looking also. I was patient, I did not give up until I found it and find it I did!
Do I look as hard, using all my time, patiently searching until I find my Living Christ in my heart and daily life?? Do I?
Lent has been for me, the last few years, a time of looking. Looking for the next step on the path toward resurrection. Looking for my daily manna God so assuredly gives me. Looking for answers. Looking for what is missing in my life or my family's life.
What are you missing this year? Health, love, friendship, faith, your way? Join me in looking for what we have lost since last year's Lent. I don't think we have misplaced it too far away.
If you are having trouble finding what you have lost, find someone who is wise and ask them to help in your search. Golf balls are easier to find with a friend, so is faith.

Wayfarerjon Says It All

Wayfarerjon said it all. Please see his blog @ www.walking-with-father.blogspot.com. I could write nothing as important as what he said yesterday. His blog is an inspiration to me.

Still Here Gathering Manna

So they gathered it every morning, each as much as he needed to eat; for when the sun grew hot it would melt. Exodus 16:21

I love the story of the manna God provided for the Israelites. Everyday they were to gather what they needed and use it, it was not to be saved as there would be an ample supply the next day. It was an everyday task. Sometimes I get bored or lazy about our everyday tasks. Do you?

I have been gathering the last two weeks better than usual. Each day I have been reading and letting the day's lesson soak into my life. Then taking up the reading the next day and finding new and important thoughts that fit for that day.

Amazing how it works when you do what God asks you to do.

Look for and gather your daily bread, it will be there for you everyday. Use it up for you will find just the correct portion. Know in your heart and soul that you will find more tomorrow.

That doesn't mean I have put the golf clubs down. Played in two scrambles tournaments last week: first in one and tied for second in the other. A lot of fun and good times. I love scrambles because of the team work.

God Gave You That Heart

God gave you a beautiful Heart...take care of it. This is Heart Month so...go read this site

http://www.active.com/nutrition/Articles/Matters_of_the_Heart.htm

Love is All

Love...does not seek its own, is not provoked. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

This is, of course, Love month. I have been reminded so many times in the last couple of weeks, of the power and need for love. My uncle, who lives far away, fell over the weekend and broke his hip. He is blessed with a dear friend who has seen him through the surgery and is by his side right now.

Recently, through the wonders of Facebook, I have been reunited with a number of former students. We are having so much fun reacquainting and catching up. But, also, wondering what God has in plan for our coming together after almost 15 years or so.

Then there are the golf buddies who stick together through thick and thin.

And...the great fun of spending time with my bestest buddy two weeks ago. Lucy and Ethel time!!

Love comes in all shapes and sizes, far and near, old and new. Love needs to be shared and spread.

Mopping around because you don't have a friend close by...go out and get you one! It starts with a smile at the library, at work, at the store. There is someone out there that needs you and your friendship. Say "hey" to that new person at church.

Those two in the picture are two of our three best friends. That's Lucky (the white one) and Poppy. Remember, there is a friend waiting for you at the animal shelter :).

Prayer Friday

For all that are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. Romans 8:14

Loving Creator, Living Christ, Moving Holy Spirit
Lord that about says it all. Loving, Living, Moving...
Thank you for the opportunities You give me to know my true self and the true self of those around me. Please, forgive me for the times I get so into the world that I forget this.
May I live in Your peace and love today. May I remember that I am here to spread that peace and love with all that You put in my path. AMEN

Consuming Prayer

May you be blessed by the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth. Psalms 115:15

Am I still praying as if I think my Maker holds back anything from me??
I am working on this right now. So if I have been or am quiet on this blog, that is why. I am changing my prayer direction, and seem to be consumed by it.

Friendship is a Blessing

OK, so we didn't win yesterday, we still had a great time and plan on being a team again. That to me is friendship. Take the little bumps and ride over them holding hands. We were in it together, support not blame or pettiness.
Two ideas to think on here, one, together is usually better than going it alone, two, laugh at the little things like Saturday morning golf tournaments, because they help train you to laugh at the bigger things.
I will be away from here for a week, as I am going to visit my dear friend to the north. Talk about two being better than one and laughter. We are such matched souls. I am forever grateful God put her in my life. She is one of my best blessings.
Look to your friends this week. Take care of them. As you do you take care of yourself.
God be with you this week.

Golf Tournament Tomorrow

I am playing in a golf tournament tomorrow with three other ladies. Now, you remember my golf has been pretty stinky lately, so, I was worrying this morning about what I will be able to add to the team tomorrow. Then I read all my devotional material, checked the blogs I try not to miss, and attended my Friday morning prayer group. On the way home I let all of that soak in and realized how silly any worry about tomorrow is.

First, I really need to practice all my advice about living in the present. I sure can hand that advice out right and left. Live and breath now! My day has been so blessed, why bring into it tomorrow.

Second, these ladies don't expect me to be a pro, they just want me to join them in a fun event. So I will go have fun. I will take with me to the first tee: laughter, smiles, joy, and understanding along with some skills, a set of clubs and a few golf balls.

You see it is time to walk my talk as the saying goes. If I bring all those good things to tomorrow, my Creator will see that they are used to the best advantage for the day.

I'll plant some seeds.

"Beauty sustains me in challenging times." p. 117, Walk in A Relaxed Manner by Joyce Rupp

Boy, am I in a golf slump right now or what? Maybe five or six really sound shots a round. Discouraging to say the least. Cannot drive, poor second shots, no short game and putting is a whole 'nother blog! I am wondering why I should make the effort (plus the expense) to go out to play tomorrow.
Then I read the chapter which held the above quote. Rupp is on a pilgrimage in Spain, I am only dealing with a game.
So, what do I find beautiful about golf. First the friends. Even though the golf has been stinky, the ladies have been so much fun. During this down phase the women I have been paired with have been delightful, funny and understanding. Second, the incredible landscape in which our course is placed. Huge blue desert skies. Huge mountains, huge views. Third, great weather. Chilly when we tee off, yet a finish in gentle warmth. Fourth, clean, healthy air to breathe. Beauty abounds.
One of my best friend's husband is going through some serious health problems right now. Yet the humor in his voice and the love that shines through her e-mail updates is beautiful. My challenge is nothing compared to theirs.
God has surrounded me with beauty. It shows up first in friends and family.
Doctor visit later this morning for follow up on routine tests. Have you fellows had your annual blood work done?? Ladies, all those tests we need each year, have you scheduled them yet? It's a new year, how long has it been since your last check-up? Get it done!!

The Spirit of the Game

Always treat others as you would like them to treat you; that sums up the teachings of the Torah and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

FINALLY! Back on the course yesterday. As usual I played with three wonderful women and had a great time. Lot of laughter, fun and even some good golf shots. One thing that always impresses me about the women I play with each week is their good golf etiquette. The game, like life, is so much better when golfers follow the "Golden Rule". So let's start the year with some golf etiquette. Whether you are new to the game or just need a reminder, let look at this subject.
On any list you find about golf rules and how to behave on the course, safety is the number one priority. Clubs and golf balls can be dangerous! You don't want some one banging you in the head with a 7 iron, so don't take practice swings until you know where everybody is!!! Aways be aware on the course, practice range, putting area; always. Anytime you have a club in your hands be aware of your playing partners. Sounds so simple, but I have seen seasoned golfers, distracted by a good joke or conversation, swing a club out of habit not realizing someone has walked up behind them.
Be aware of where you are on the course. You are not the only one playing. How far away is the group in front, could you hit someone with your next shot? Are you hidden behind a bush looking for a ball, so as to put your body in danger of a shot from the group behind? Think safety. These tips sound so sophomoric, but they are serious and are given for a reason.
New or seasoned golfer, here are some sites to go to to help. Take a minute or two to visit them.
www.usga.org www.playgolfamerica.com www.mrgolf.com/primer
"The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the Rules" USGA :The Spirit of the Game.

Prayer Friday Psalms 1

Happy is the man who has not followed the counsel of the wicked, or taken the path of the sinners, or joined the company of the insolent; rather, the teaching of the LORD is his delight, and he studies that teaching day and night. He is like a tree planted beside streams of water, which yields its fruit in season, whose foliage never fades, and what ever it produces thrives.
Not so the wicked; rather, they are like chaff that wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not survive judgement, nor will sinners, in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD cherishes the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked is doomed. Psalm 1

Loving Creator, Living Christ, wise Holy Spirit, Thank You for my being.
I am what You willed, may I learn to walk in that will.
May I study Your teachings, which I find all around me, all day.
May I be mindful of Your Presence all day.
I do not want to be chaff in the wind, I desire to be a producing being. A love producing being that brings Your peace and calm to my family, friends and the world.
Thank You for all You have given me, all You have taken away, and all I am left with.
AMEN

Love, Day by Day

Love always bears up, always trusts, always hopes, always endures. Corinthians 13:7

This coming year I will mindfully stay in the present, with love as my guide.

May God bless you and yours every minute of every day and may you be open to receive and respond in kind.